Polytechnic to offer new Pre-Veterinary Medicine diploma

By Lethbridge Herald on March 17, 2026.

Herald photo by ALexandra NOAD Kevin Smith, dean of the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences says the new Pre-Veterinary Medicine program will allow students to go on to advanced professional studies in veterinary medicine as well as other disciplines including animal science and agriculture programs.

By Alexandra Noad

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter-Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Polytechnic will be offering a new Pre-Veterinary Medicine diploma beginning in the fall and will allow graduates to transfer to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Kevin Smith, dean for the Centre for Business Arts and Sciences, says the Polytechnic is delighted to offer this new program and it’s a huge leap for the institution, especially with the veterinarian shortage in Alberta.

“To provide a science diploma that will go into advance professional studies of medicine but also provide a pathway for animal science and agriculture is a huge leap for us.”

University of Calgary actually approached Lethbridge Polytechnic to offer this program, which holds a transfer agreement with them and will meet the 10-course requirement for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Requirements for the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program include a Grade 12 or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry and Math 30-1, with a basic GPA of 65 per cent and above.

The program includes specialized courses in animal genetic, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and nutrition.

Upon receiving their two-year diploma from Lethbridge Polytechnic students are still required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to be considered for entry for the doctorate, which takes approximately four years.

It is hoped that with the funding to expand numbers for the doctorate program that some of the graduates would return to southern Alberta for their practice.

Students also have the opportunity to continue on at Lethbridge Polytechnic to receive a Bachelor of Agriculture Sciences post-diploma degree or enter the workforce in roles such as laboratory assistant, animal research, livestock technician and animal nutrition consulting.

The Polytechnic has a target of 36 students and even with the late start Smith says there’s been a lot of interest, even before the program was announced and is hopeful they can reach their target.

Lethbridge Polytechnic will be hosting their Winter Open House on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. to offer information on all of their programs. Information on the pre vet program can also be found on the polytechnic’s website.